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Somatic variation in living, wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)
Michelle L Sauther1, Frank P Cuozzo
1Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA. sauther@colorado.edu
Folia Primatologica; International Journal of Primatology
|September 20, 2007
Summary
This study details somatic and dental variations in wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), finding lower variant frequencies than other primates. This data is crucial for assessing lemur population health and developmental plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Primate Biology
- Evolutionary Morphology
- Conservation Genetics
Background:
- Understanding somatic variability in wild primates is key to studying developmental plasticity.
- Published data on living primate populations, especially lemurs, are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document somatic and dental variants in two wild populations of Lemur catta.
- To establish baseline data for assessing normal variability versus potential environmental or inbreeding effects.
Main Methods:
- Field observation and data collection on physical and dental anomalies in Lemur catta populations.
- Comparative analysis of variant frequencies with other lemuriforms and primates.
Main Results:
- Observed somatic variants: microtia, athelia, female virilization.
- Observed dental variants: supernumerary teeth, rotated teeth, maxillary incisor agenesis, severe malocclusion.
- A sex bias was noted for incisor agenesis, with 71% of cases in males.
Conclusions:
- Ring-tailed lemurs exhibit specific somatic and dental variants, with lower frequencies compared to many other primates.
- The observed frequencies may relate to Lemur catta's dental formula and development rate.
- Collecting such data is essential for future assessments of primate population health and environmental influences.
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